every channel reports on the cost of living. It is very difficult to cater to the needs of individuals. I would divide it into three groups. Economical, normal and upscale. I, for example, am very economical, drink occasionally (sometimes more), don't smoke, eat in a restaurant (local) 2 - 3 times a week. My experience shows that rent is the biggest expense. Of course, everyone has different ideas, which is why we divide them into three groups. For my needs, 1000-1200 US would be enough for a comfortable life. I estimate 350 US for rent, 350 for groceries (I love cooking). So I still have 300-500 US left over that I can use for things that are important to me.
Electrical, bus or tuk, tuk or gas expense, medicine , visa cost $300/12 months, medical expenses, gyms are 30-45 here. It all adds up to take a chunk from your 300-500 you have left
My wife and I dance through our daily adventures with grace, all while keeping our budget at $600 a month🎉. We’ve mastered the fine art of frugality, cherishing our time together with each shared moment. I’m grateful that her simple, countryside upbringing instilled in her a love for happiness over material things she truly asks for nothing more. Plus, it means my savings are getting a nice little boost! Peace ans Blessing
I agree with you, I live in PP and used to be in BKK1 and now Russian Market and I would say 1500-1800 is reasonable, If you have 2000 plus you can live very nicely, anything less than 1200-1500 you will not enjoy Cambodia to its fullest. You have to have a moto, yes, you can walk but all you will see is your neighborhood. I see these people say 700-750 in some videos and there is no way reasonably unless you are living in a small village and in a room for $100 bucks a month and eat cheap and watch every penny and you better hope you dont get sick. It can be done but you really have to stick to a fixed cost schedule and watch every Riel.
Thank you, James for a great informative video for those of us looking at Cambodia as a potential retirement destination. I plan to travel there soon and your videos are a great help getting my plans in order. All the best.
After being in Siem Reap only a few weeks I must say that many of the bloggers including your channel are absolutely correct related to the economic cost of living in Cambodia. Matter of fact I would say that most financial analysis is conservative and it is very possible to live comfortable as a single person on less than $750. However comfortable is very subjective. I don't drink and I don't drive. I eat one meal a day and I like to walk. I can bank more than half my Social Security without feeling deprived of any luxury. I need my aircon and provide a free gift offering to someone daily. I feel very fortunate to have been born in the USA where now I can go to another part of the world and live comfortably where as I am unable in my own country. Yet where can a poor Cambodian , or Filipino or a poor South African go to live comfortably at the end of their journey. I am not living in the Taj Mahal Palace, but I also not living in a sewer like the kids in Nogales Mexico/AZ(called: Sewer Rats). Respectfully
Ironic perhaps -- the average US SS / mo. is $1782.74 in 2024 -- for all recipients. Close enough I suppose to that $60 / day you suggest ? > However --- there are many people reporting to be - ''comfortably retired'' - & - "not wanting for anything" - on $900 / mo. -- both in Siem Reap -- and -- in the Philippines !!! - - - 🤔 🤗 ❤ 👍 🙏 ✌
If you are married and 1 spouse is 56, another one is 52 years old - then the easier rule of over 55 won't apply? Do both of us need to be above 55? Thanks.
You as every other channel Ive watched, speak in dollars and from my past visit to Cambodia 20 years ago, everything was priced in dollars for tourists and didn't want the local currency. My question is " can you live in Cambodia purely using local currency now" i.e i transfer my UK pounds into a local bank i set up into local currency and then using it for everything i buy, including rentals etc, or do landlords and vendors insist on USD? from Foreigners living there?
One very important thing not discussed here if you are a Brit planning to retire in Cambodia, you will not receive your annual state pension increase, in the Philippines you do..I would have thought that this would be mentioned here..
You can do it...dont live in PP unless its way out of the main areas or even city center in Siem Reap. Buy food from the wet markets, and street vendors they are extremely cheap. Eggs, fresh veggies, some fruit, rice, noodles some occasional chicken and meat. Drinkable water is cheap. Go to the market and shop for shampoo and toilet items and find cheap alternatives. At the markets you can find plates and forks and bed linen and towels very cheap. Regulate your electrical and A/C. I know someone that lives on 1000 and its tight but he makes it and loves it and saves up 100 month for things.. Also, don't ever have a Khmer GF and have her live with you at that level, that will take away from your $1030. Also, the main issue is getting around. You can walk everywhere or take a bus or once and a while a tuk-tuk. But it can be done. The Visa will be $25 a month after the first year. You can find rent for $200-250 easy way out of the city centers and live on 10 dollars a day for food. Make sure your rent includes some furniture and a washing machine. Get a phone and that's $6-10 per month, high speed internet is 25.00. Keep you A/C low and lights off when you're not using them. It's very possible. The issue is the unknown future cost of living. Many, many people are moving here and I think PP and Siem Reap expenses will go up a bit and hopefully the government doesn't mess with SS.
